Police have launched a hunt for a rapist after a 22-year-old woman was attacked by a stranger in south Manchester.

The woman was making her way home from a friend's house, along Ladybarn Lane in Fallowfield, when she was approached from behind by a man. He proceeded to grab her, and pushed her down a nearby alleyway, where he then raped her.

The incident happened between 11.30pm on Friday evening and 12.17am on Saturday morning.

The suspect is described as a black man, with a light skin tone. He is between 20 and 30 years old, with a medium build, around 6ft tall and was wearing a grey hoodie.

The victim of the attack was left traumatised, and is now being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Inspector Tanya Kitchen, of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “Residents will no doubt be concerned as to what has happened in their local neighbourhood but I want to reassure them that we have a team of detectives working on the investigation and have specially trained officers supporting the victim.

“I am now asking for anyone who may have witnessed the attack to please get in touch. Were you driving or walking near to where the incident took place and see anything suspicious?

“We also have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance in the community.

Police are also appealing for anyone with any information to call officers on 0161 856 1983 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.

- St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.

- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

- Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.